Principal's Message
I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit nearly every classroom during their English sessions in the past fortnight, and be involved in the learning of our students. It has been wonderful to see the high-quality explicit instruction in classrooms and the positive engagement in learning of so many of our students.
Students in Stage 1 were able to help me understand how to use conjunctions to create compound and complex sentences. Stage 2 learners were able to show me how intentional vocabulary choices can enhance their descriptions. Stage 3 students demonstrated how they can 'level up' their sentences by using their knowledge subordinate and dependent clauses, while using descriptive and figurative language to create rich and engaging descriptive writing.
Student Leadership Excursion
37 members of our Student Leadership Team travelled to Sydney in Week 7 to participate in the Halogen Young Leaders conference. Thank you to Mrs Howlett, Mrs Wilson and Mrs Russell for giving up their time to accompany the students on the three day excursion.
Last week, I met with the leaders to discuss the key messages that they had taken away from the experience. Common themes in their responses were the messages delivered by David Hurley, Governor-General of Australia and inventor and scientist Dr Jordan Nguyen. These messages related to;
- listening to and leading for others,
- welcoming and valuing others,
- improving things for others, and
- your actions define you.
From this discussion, our leaders are now working on initiatives that reflect these leadership priorities. These initiatives are additional to responsibilities that our leaders have already committed to, including facilitating access to more sports and play equipment at lunch times, supporting the SRC and taking responsibility for daily flag raising and the Welcome to Country.
Swimming
Congratulations to Clay Nixon, who, with success at the North West swimming carnival will soon compete in the 100m freestyle, 50m freestyle, 50 butterfly, 50 breaststroke and 50 backstroke at state level in Sydney.
Science & Engineering
Many of our Stage 3 students attended the Science and Engineering Day at UNE last week, engaging in challenges relating to electronics, engineering, communication and problem solving.
Inclusive sports day
In Week 7, a small number of students travelled to Tamworth to participate in an inclusive sports day. On this day, students engaged in a range of activities, involving modified track and field events. The students enjoyed the day immensely.
Upcoming events reminder
Please check the calendar for upcoming events, including school photos, cross country, Stage 2 & 3 rugby skills day and the Kinder and Stage 1 Hat Parade.
Cam Pryce
Principal